What’s the optimal way to use the varmint rifle in gold medal missions?

The varmint rifle in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a versatile weapon, especially in gold medal missions where precision and efficiency are key. This rifle is designed for hunting small animals and is highly effective in missions requiring clean kills or specific targets. To optimize its use, you need to understand its mechanics, strengths, and limitations.\n\nFirst, the varmint rifle excels in accuracy and rate of fire, making it ideal for missions requiring multiple quick shots. Its low damage output is balanced by its ability to deliver precise headshots, which are often required for gold medal objectives. For example, in missions like ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' where you need to protect livestock from predators, the varmint rifle allows you to quickly dispatch wolves or coyotes without damaging the pelts.\n\nTo maximize its effectiveness, always aim for headshots. This ensures a clean kill and conserves ammunition, which is crucial in missions with limited resources. Use Dead Eye to line up multiple shots quickly, especially when dealing with fast-moving targets like birds or small animals. For instance, in the mission ''A Fisher of Men,'' where you need to hunt small game, Dead Eye combined with the varmint rifle ensures you meet the gold medal requirements for accuracy and speed.\n\nAnother key mechanic is the rifle''s ability to preserve pelts. In missions involving hunting, such as ''The First Shall Be Last,'' where you hunt rabbits, using the varmint rifle ensures the pelts remain in perfect condition. This is critical for gold medal objectives that require high-quality pelts. Always aim for a single, clean shot to avoid damaging the animal.\n\nFor missions involving stealth, the varmint rifle is a great choice due to its quiet nature. In ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' where you need to sabotage oil wagons without alerting guards, the varmint rifle can silently take out enemies from a distance. Pair it with cover mechanics to remain undetected and complete the mission with minimal alerts.\n\nCommon challenges include dealing with larger animals or enemies with higher health. In these cases, the varmint rifle may not be sufficient. For example, in ''The Joys of Civilization,'' where you face multiple enemies, consider switching to a more powerful weapon for combat-heavy sections. However, for smaller targets or stealth segments, the varmint rifle remains invaluable.\n\nPractical tips include upgrading the rifle with improved sights for better accuracy and carrying ample ammunition. Always check mission objectives beforehand to determine if the varmint rifle is suitable. For new players, practice using the rifle in free roam to get comfortable with its handling. Experienced players should focus on mastering Dead Eye to maximize its potential in gold medal missions.\n\nIn summary, the varmint rifle is a specialized tool in Red Dead Redemption 2, perfect for missions requiring precision, stealth, and clean kills. By understanding its mechanics and applying strategic gameplay, you can consistently achieve gold medals in relevant missions.